Honored teacher dies suddenly at Lawrence home

Kansas University and officials at other area school districts are mourning the loss of a Lawrence resident recently recognized as one of the state’s outstanding teachers.

Michael A. Dunlap, 44, a graduate student in KU’s School of Education, died of an aneurysm Monday at his home, according to KU.

“On behalf of the entire University of Kansas community, I offer sincerest condolences to the family, loved ones, colleagues and students of Michael Dunlap,” KU Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little said. “Our thoughts are with them during this time of loss.”

Dunlap taught journalism at Blue Valley West High School and was chairman of the school’s mass communication department. He was a program facilitator for journalism for the Blue Valley school district. He has also taught at Lawrence, Leavenworth and Shawnee Mission North high schools.

He was recognized by Emporia State University as part of the 2010 Kansas Master Teacher Award Program.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Bram-Turner Funeral Home in Stewartsville, Mo. Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Death by aneurysm is horrible for the survivors because there is literally no time to say good-bye, though I realize this is the case with other deaths as well. Quick onset of a severe headache followed by vomiting and sometimes coughing up blood. Call 911 and pray you have time to be saved. We lost a loved one 21 years ago and have never gotten over the shock of his sudden death at age 41. By the time the paramedics got there 5 minutes later, he was already unconscious and died shortly afterward. From the time he got the headache until he lost consciousness, probably no more than 30 minutes had elapsed. It happened so quickly. Blessings to Michael's family!! Sounds like another wonderful life snuffed out too soon.